Storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield

ABSTRACT

The invention involves a storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield. The bracket is generally for the type of motorcycle windshield which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings. The bracket comprises a base member with longitudinal dimension and at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member. The nub is configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one of the slotted couplings on the windshield.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is related generally to storage brackets forstoring components on vertical surfaces and, more particularly, tobrackets for storing motorcycle components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For a variety of reasons, motorcycle ownership and operation havebeen increasing in popularity. Among other reasons, the motorcycleprovides the operator with motive power, quick acceleration, and speed,with very good fuel economy. In addition to functional aspects oftransportation, there is a pleasure aspect of utilizing the power tohave the wind in one's face.

[0003] Premium motorcycles come equipped with windshields to providecomfort and safety to operators while in use, especially when used fortouring purposes.

[0004] In order to enhance the pleasurable aspects of a motorcycle ride,it is desirable, especially on short trips and recreational rides, tooperate the motorcycle without the windshield. Manufacturers haverecognized this and made their products convertible by designing theirwindshields to be replaceably removable easily by the operator.

[0005] The convertibility also allows for removal of the windshield forother purposes such as for access to the console, washing of themotorcycle, and aesthetics.

[0006] Once the windshield has been removed from the motorcycle, it isdesirable to safely store the windshield while the operator otherwiseuses the motorcycle.

[0007] Horizontal storage on the ground is not desirable. Suchhorizontal storage takes up unnecessary space. Horizontal storage allowsfor objects to accidentally be dropped onto the shield. Such storagealso exposes the edges of the shield to damaging sideways strikes.

[0008] Another undesirable arrangement is the placement of thewindshield on the ground leaned nearly vertically against a wall. Suchfloor storage subjects the windshield to potential damage due to slidingand bumping. Floor storage adds to an unkempt look of the overallstorage space. Moreover, as many motorcycle storage spaces have aconcrete or other water-permeable composition floor, floor storagefacilitates corrosion.

[0009] A storage bracket facilitating easy, attachable and detachablestorage of a motorcycle windshield safely and off the ground would be animportant improvement in the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved storagebracket overcoming some of the problems and shortcomings of the priorart, including those referred to above.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracketfor removable motorcycle windshield assemblies.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracketto store motorcycle windshields on a wall off the floor.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket forstoring motorcycle windshield assemblies in an orderly manner.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracket forstoring motorcycle windshields when detached from the motorcycle in amanner such that they will be safe from damage.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracketfor motorcycle windshields that receives and releases the windshieldeasily from its storage position.

[0016] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a bracketwhich is unobtrusive when not in use holding a windshield.

[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket forstoring motorcycle windshields that is easy to manufacture.

[0018] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracketfor storing motorcycle windshields that is easy to install.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a method forstoring a motorcycle windshield of the type that is detachable from themotorcycle, that is simple to use and effective for the protection ofthe windshield.

[0020] How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparentfrom the following descriptions and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention involves a storage bracket for a motorcyclewindshield. The bracket is generally for the type of motorcyclewindshield which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slottedcouplings. The bracket comprises a base member with longitudinaldimension and at least one nub attached with respect to the base memberextending laterally from the base member. The nub is configured andarranged to snugly engage at least one of the slotted couplings on thewindshield.

[0022] It is preferable that the storage bracket has at least two nubs.The nubs are dispensed vertically with respect to each other on the basemember. The nubs are spaced apart on the base member a distance equal tothe distance between the slotted couplings on the windshield. The twonubs provide greater support to the windshield while it is being stored.In addition, the two-nub arrangement helps prevent rotational torquethat might otherwise affect the motorcycle windshield stored on aone-nub system without additional structure such as a stop.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the storage bracket has abase member that is L-shaped. In this embodiment, both the transverseportion and the lateral portion are longitudinally-running. In such anarrangement, it is preferable that the two nubs of the storage bracketextend laterally out from the transverse portion.

[0024] It is even more preferable for the L-shaped storage bracket tohave a wall-engaging arrangement. The wall-engaging arrangement can beas simple in design as a hole extending transversely through the lateralportion to receive a screw, bolt, or other connector which can hold thebracket to the lateral surface onto which it will be mounted.

[0025] It is desirable to provide a snug fit between the slottedcoupling and the storage bracket. In the storage bracket having at leastone nub, it is preferable for the nub to have a resilient gasket toengage the slotted coupling. It is more preferable wherein the resilientgasket is rubber. Non-deformable nubs that are custom-fit to the slottedcoupling are advantageous, as are other deformable nubs which fitthemselves to the slotted coupling.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a method for storing amotorcycle windshield of the type having at least two slotted couplingslaterally displaced, on a wall. The method comprises a variety of steps,including (1) obtaining a first device having a longitudinally verticalbase member, and at least one nub attached with respect to the basemember extending laterally from the base member, configured and arrangedto snugly engage at least one slotted coupling, (2) anchoring the deviceto a wall, sliding the motorcycle windshield onto the nub, and (3)sliding the at least one slotted coupling of the motorcycle windshieldonto the at least one nub.

[0027] It is more preferable wherein the at least one nub of the deviceis two nubs. The two nubs are dispensed vertically on the base member adistance equal to a distance between the slotted couplings on thewindshield assembly.

[0028] It is preferable if the device used in the method has an L-shapedbase member, with a longitudinally-running transverse portion and alongitudinally-running lateral portion. It is more preferable whereinthe two nubs of the device used in the method extend laterally out fromthe transverse portion of the base member.

[0029] It is preferable for the storage bracket used in the method tohave a wall-engaging arrangement for mounting the bracket to the wall.It is one preferred embodiment for the wall-engaging arrangement to be ahole extending transversely through the lateral portion. The hole couldreceive a screw, bolt, or other mounting device to hold the bracket tothe wall.

[0030] It is a preferable embodiment for the storage bracket of themethod to have a nub with a resilient gasket. It is yet more preferablefor the resilient gasket to be rubber.

[0031] In a preferred version of the method, at least two of the bracketdevices are used. The bracket devices are both mounted on a wall at aspecified, lateral distance. This lateral distance is equal to thewindshield mount distance. The windshield mount distance is the distancebetween two slotted couplings on either side of the windshield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments which include theabove-noted characteristics and features of the invention. The inventionwill be readily understood from the descriptions and drawings. In thedrawings:

[0033]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket holding a motorcyclewindshield.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a backside view of a typical detachable motorcyclewindshield.

[0035]FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the two mounting-slot assembliesof the motorcycle windshield of FIG. 2.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a face view of two brackets mounted on a wall.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket of this invention

[0038]FIG. 6 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

[0040]FIG. 8 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield disengaged from abracket mounted on a wall.

[0041]FIG. 9 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield partially engagedwith a bracket mounted on a wall.

[0042]FIG. 10 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield engaged with abracket mounted on a wall.

[0043]FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention.

[0044]FIG. 12 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] While the principles of the invention have been shown anddescribed in connection with specific embodiments, it is to beunderstood that such embodiments are by way of example and are notlimiting.

[0046]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment a bracket system10. The bracket system 10 consists of two identical brackets 12 (betterseen in FIGS. 4 through 7) oriented such that they have mirror symmetry.The system 10 is holding a motorcycle windshield 20. Motorcyclewindshields 20 have a front side 22 to engage the wind when in operationon a moving motorcycle, and a backside 24, facing the rider. Motorcyclewindshields 20 most benefitted by this invention are of the type easilydetachable from and then re-attachable to a motorcycle, by a user;examples of such windshields are the quick detachable windshieldsprovided by Harley-Davidson, Inc. with many of the premium motorcyclemodels that company sells.

[0047] As seen in FIG. 2, extending vertically down along backside 24are two vertical windshield support members 26. Vertical windshieldsupport members 26 are dispensed along the left and right sides ofwindshield 20. For purposes of orientation, the terms “left” and “right”are taken from the perspective of looking at the windshield from aposition forward of the front side of windshield 22.

[0048] Toward base of each vertical windshield support member 26 areshield mounting mechanisms 28.

[0049]FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the mounting mechanisms 28 cutaway from vertical windshield support member 26 of the vertically erectwindshield 20 of FIG. 2. Shield mounting mechanism 28 has base member30. Extending into base member 30 are top slot 32 and bottom slot 34.

[0050] Top slot 32 has a circularly profiled inner, top-slotgrommet-engaging portion 36 and outer, top-slot grommet-entry portion38. In a similar manner, bottom slot 34 has bottom-slot grommet-engagingportion 40 and bottom slot, grommet-entry portion 42. Respectivegrommet-engaging portions 36, 40 are of circular shape complementary toa grommet (not shown) on motorcycle by which windshield 20 is affixed tomotorcycle. In a similar manner, respective grommet entry portions 38,42 are sized to permit grommet to enter the slot and engage grommetengaging portions 36, 40.

[0051] Many shield mounting mechanisms 28 also include a spring-actionlocking clip. Once grommet-engaging portions 36, 40 engage grommet,locking clip prevents spontaneous release of grommet back through entryportions 38, 42.

[0052] When seen in the upright manner, the top of top-slotgrommet-engaging portion 36 and the top of bottom-slot grommet-engagingportion 40 define a distance of H1.

[0053] As seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, the device of this invention iselongated with an “L”-shaped cross-section along its length. It has atransverse leg 50 and a lateral leg 52 perpendicular to the transverseleg.

[0054] Extending transversely through the lateral leg are twowall-mounting holes 54. Anchor bolts 56 are driven through wall-mountingholes 54 (best seen in FIG. 5) into a solid vertical surface 58 (as seenin FIG. 1). For most windshields 20, a 2½ inch fluted drywall screwdriven through wall-mounting holes 54 of lateral portion 52 into a solidvertical surface support such as a 2×4 pine stud, may be used as anchorbolt 56, thereby providing enough horizontal force to withstand thetorque generated by the gravitational forces exerted by the weight ofthe windshield when it engages the brackets 12. Extending laterallythrough the transverse portion 50 are two gasket-bolt-receiving holes64. Gasket 66 abuts bracket 12. Holding bolt 70 extends laterallythrough transverse portion 50, gasket 66, and washer 72 before beinglocked into place by holding-bolt nut 74. In this particular embodiment,holding-bolt nut 74 engages bracket 12 on the inside surface 76 oftransverse portion 50.

[0055] Gasket 66 has an inner section 80, an outer section 82 (“inner”and “outer” in this respect refer to position relative to the transverseportion 50), each of a radius R1 and a central section 83 of radius R2.Radius R2 is less than radius R1 thereby establishing a depth of channel84 between the inner perimeter and outer perimeter 80, 82. Channel 84has a lateral floor 86 with a width configured to snugly engage theeither top slot or bottom slot 32, 34. To provide the snug engagement, aresilient material, such as rubber or urethane, is desirable for thegasket 66.

[0056] Two gasket-receiving holes 64 are dispensed along transverseportion 50 such that the tops of the lateral floors 86 of channels 84 ofupper gasket 66 a and lower 66 b define a distance H2 such that H2 issubstantially equal to H1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, brackets 12 are installed in pairs to createsystem 10. To accommodate windshield mounting mechanism 28, wheninstalled on vertical surface 58, upper gaskets are canted toward eachother. The closest distance between lateral floors 86 of top gaskets 66a is W2, while the closest distance between lateral floors 86 of lowergaskets 66 b is W3. W2 is substantially the same dimension as thedistance W4 (as seen in FIG. 2) between top-slot grommet-engagingportions 36. In a like manner, W3 is substantially the same dimension asthe distance W5 (also seen in FIG. 2) between bottom-slotgrommet-engaging portions 40.

[0058]FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate a method for storing a motorcyclewindshield 20 on a wall or other vertical surface 58 safely out of theway of harm. Two brackets 12 as described above are installed on avertical surface 58 as described.

[0059] Windshield 20 is initially placed such that back side 24 isfacing vertical surface 58. Windshield 20 is inclined in a manner suchthat the front side 22 begins to point downward to a point such thatlower finger 88 on each side of the right and left vertical windshieldsupport members 26 may enter the respective spaces between lower gaskets66 b and lateral portions 52 while channels 86 may be positioned withinthe respective bottom slot, grommet-entry portions 42.

[0060] As best seen in FIG. 9, the windshield is rotated up about gasket66 b such that central section 83 of upper gasket 66 a, may entertop-slot, grommet-entry portions 38, at which time a final motion ofupper finger 90 toward wall 58 and down will cause upper gasket 66 a toengage top-slot, grommet-engaging portions 36 and bottom gaskets 66 b toengage bottom-slot grommet-engaging portions 40. If a spring-actionlocking clip is supplied with the windshield by the windshieldmanufacturer, spring clip (not shown) can further engage upper gasket 66a to removably lock gasket 66 a into placement with upper top-slot,grommet-engaging portions 36.

[0061] To remove the windshield from the bracket assembly, ifspring-action locking clip was supplied, it is depressed, unlocking topslot 32 from upper gasket 66 a. Once unlocked, lower finger 88 is urgedtoward vertical surface 58, thereby moving lower gasket 66 b down bottomslot 34 from bottom-slot grommet-engaging portion 40 toward bottom-slotgrommet entry portion 42. Simultaneously, upward and outward force isapplied to the windshield 20 away from vertical surface 58 therebymoving upper gasket 66 a along top slot 32 from top-slotgrommet-engaging portion 36 toward top-slot grommet entry portion 38.Further rotation of windshield 20 back down and away from verticalsurface 58 releases windshield 20 from brackets 12.

[0062]FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the device 10. Upperspacer 92 and lower spacer 94 are placed between left and right brackets12 to assure proper dimensioning W2, W3 (as seen in FIG. 4). In suchembodiment, replacing bolts 70 are rods. For illustration, only lowerrod 96 is shown in partial cut-away. Upper and lower rods (only lowerrod 96 is shown) are each threaded at both ends to extend throughgaskets 66, washers 72 and engage holding bolt nuts 74. Upper and lowerspacers 92, 94 are preferably made of polyvinylchloride for weight,strength, and cost considerations. With such an embodiment, only onebracket 12 needs be anchored to vertical surface 58.

[0063]FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of the system 10. Twobrackets 12 each having a transverse portion 50 and lateral portion 52are provided. Presence and locations of wall-mounting holes 54 andgasket-bolt-receiving hole 64 are as described above.

[0064] In this embodiment, however, gasket-holding bolt 70 extends fromthe inside surface 76 laterally through transverse member 50 throughgaskets 66 and washer 72 into locking engagement with holding bolt nut74. In this way, gaskets 66 are in contact with outside surface 98. Thiswould be of particular benefit if more clearance is necessary for lowerfinger 88 when engaging gaskets 66 for storage of windshield 20.

[0065] While the principles of the invention have been shown anddescribed with but a few embodiments, it is to be understood clearlythat such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting.

1. A storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield of the type which isremovably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings, comprising: abase member with longitudinal dimension; at least one nub attached withrespect to the base member extending laterally from the base member,configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one slotted coupling.2. The storage bracket of claim 1 wherein the at least one nub is twonubs, dispensed vertically on the base member a distance equal to adistance between the slotted couplings.
 3. The storage bracket of claim2 wherein the base member is L-shaped, having a longitudinally-runningtransverse portion and a longitudinally-running lateral portion.
 4. Thestorage bracket of claim 3 wherein the two nubs extend laterally outfrom the transverse portion.
 5. The storage bracket of claim 4 furthercomprising a wall-engaging arrangement.
 6. The storage bracket of claim5 wherein the wall-engaging arrangement is formed by the lateral portionto be at least one connector-receiving aperture extending transverselytherethrough.
 7. The storage bracket of claim 2 wherein the nub has aresilient gasket.
 8. The storage bracket of claim 7 wherein theresilient gasket is rubber.
 9. A method for storing a motorcyclewindshield of the type having at least two slotted couplings laterallydisplaced, on a wall, comprised of the steps of: obtaining at least onebracket device having a longitudinally vertical base member, and atleast one nub attached with respect to the base member extendinglaterally from the base member, configured and arranged to snugly engageat least one slotted coupling, anchoring the device to a wall, slidingthe at least one slotted coupling of the motorcycle windshield onto theat least one nub.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one nubis two nubs, dispensed vertically on the base member a distance equal toa distance between the slotted couplings.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein the base member is L-shaped, having a longitudinally-runningtransverse portion and a longitudinally-running lateral portion.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the two nubs extend laterally out from thetransverse portion.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the storagebracket further comprising a wall-engaging arrangement.
 14. The methodof claim 13 wherein the storage bracket wherein the wall-engagingarrangement is formed by the lateral portion to be at least oneconnector-receiving aperture extending transversely therethrough. 15.The method of claim 10 wherein the storage bracket wherein the nub has aresilient gasket.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the storage bracketwherein the resilient gasket is rubber.
 17. The method of claim 9further comprising the steps of obtaining a second bracket deviceanchoring the second bracket device to the wall spaced a lateraldistance from a first bracket device a mounting distance equal to awindshield mount distance.